History

In 2008, rumors of Disney's Night Kingdom, a fifth theme park at Walt Disney World were abounding. The proposed addition was to be a "niche park", limiting the number of guests and operating in the afternoon and evening. Disney's Night Kingdom never became a reality but ideas for the park were implemented into the Wild Africa Trek. The news of "guided treks" being done on the savanna of Kilimanjaro Safaris was first announced on July 2010. Construction on the rope bridges over crocodiles and safari camp in the savanna began October of the same year. However, the first treks did not begin in January 2011 before the opening.

The Tour

Excursion guides take guests through the fictional East African Village of Harambe and explore various parts of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. The Trek walks through a portion of the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and embarks unto unexplored forest areas. Guests experience up-close views of hippopotamuses and nile crocodiles, as well as cross rope bridges right above the animals.

After exiting the forests, guests board a safari vehicle unlike the open-sided trucks of Kilimanjaro Safaris. The vehicle travels through the Serengeti Savanna making frequent pull offs to allow guests to stand up and view the animals. The vehicle makes a stop at the safari camp in the middle of the savannah known as the Boma where guests are given an African inspired snack.